Anheuser-Busch sued over 'hold my beer' videos

Tuesday

ST. LOUIS (AP) - A Montana-based craft brewer is suing the world's largest beer-maker, alleging that popular YouTube videos for Bud Light violate its trademarked phrase, "Hold my beer and watch this."

ST. LOUIS (AP) — A Montana-based craft brewer is suing the world's largest beer-maker, alleging that popular YouTube videos for Bud Light violate its trademarked phrase, "Hold my beer and watch this."

Big Sky Brewing Co. sued Anheuser-Busch this month in U.S. District Court in Missoula, Mont. The company says it has used the slogan since at least 2004, and has a trademark.

At issue are three videos on Bud Light's official YouTube site created by actor John Krasinski, best known for playing Jim Halpert on NBC's The Office, and his business partner. The videos debuted about a month ago and have nearly 5 million views.

Bud Light's marketing vice president, Rob McCarthy, says there is no trademarked use of the phrase. He said other videos and jokes use the same or similar wording.